Turret rewinder



United States Patent Raymond M. Loase Dayton;

Glenn A. Spohn, Cincinnati, Ohio [2]] Appl. No. 745,068

[72] Inventors [22] Filed June 19, 1968 [45] Patented Dec. 15, 1970 [73]Assignee Harris-Intertype Corporation Cleveland, Ohio a corporation ofDelaware [54] TURRET REWINDER 16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Leonard D. Christian Attorney-Yount, Flynn & TarolliABSTRACT: A turret rewinder continuously winds web material into rollsafter the web material leaves a processing machine. The turret rewinderincludes a rotatable turret mechanism and a pair of spindles carriedthereby. Thespindles are adapted to receive and rotate cores on whichthe web is wound. The web material is wound successively on the cores.When the web material is being wound on one core associated with onespindle, operations are performed, such as loading a new core in theother spindle to ready the rewinder for winding the web on the new core.After the roll of material on the first core is fully wound, the webmaterial is cut and wound on the new core. When the web is to be woundon the new core, the turret mechanism moves the new core to anacceleration station, where the core is accelerated to a predeterminedspeed, which is equal or slightly greater than web speed. A knifeassembly is also moved and a roller on the knife assembly engages theweb and positions the web at a predetermined position for all diametersof finished rolls. The new core is then brought into engagement with theweb and a knife is actuated in response to that engagement to sever theweb. The new core, of course, is provided with adhesive, causing the webmaterial to adhere thereto and be wound thereon. After a predeterminedperiod of time, the knife assembly is pivoted away from the new core,the rotation of the full core, is stopped, and the turret mechanism isrotated to move the completed roll on the full core to an unlatchingstation. After the completed roll is unlatched, the turret mechanism isrotated to deposit the full roll on the floor, and moves the emptyspindle by which the full roll was wound to a loading station. At theloadihg station, another core is loaded into the turret rewinder and theturret mechanism is rotated to move this core to a ready station inpreparation for transfer of the web thereto. At his time, the other coreis at the final winding position which permits winding a roll to themaximum diameter capacity of the rewinder.

PATENTED DEM 519m SHEET 1 OF 5 INVENTORB RAYMOND M 1. 0/136 BY 6L EA/A/A. SPOHN PATENTEU 0m 5 I970 3; 5471365 SHEET 2 BF 5 INVENTORS RAYMOND MLOASE BY GLEN/V A. SPOH/V ATTORNEYS PATENTED nan 5 19m sum 3 BF 5INVENTORS A A YMCA/D M 1,0435 QLEN/V A. SPOHN F r W ATTORNEYS FlOZ)TURRET REWINDER The present invention relates to a mechanism for windingweb material into rolls, and particularly relates to a mechanism whichwill continuously wind web material into rolls as the web material isreceived from a processing machine, such as a printing press or thelike, so that the operation of the processing machine need not beinterrupted for purposes of rolling the web output of the machine andremoving the web output therefrom. Such web winding mechanisms arecommonly referred to as turret rewinders.

Turret rewinders are known in the art and include, in general, a turretmechanism which supports a plurality of spindles which selectively holda core on which the web is wound in a work position for receiving andwinding of the web thereon. After the web is wound on one core, a secondcore is moved into a transfer position and the web is severed andadhered to the second core so that the web may be wound onto the secondcore while the previously wound roll on the first core is removed fromthe machine. In this manner, the rewinder is capable of continuouslywinding web material received from a processing machine and there is noneed to interrupt the operation of the processing machine. In suchturret rewinders, problems occur during the transition of the web fromwinding on the first core to winding on the second core. These problemsbecome particularly acute when the web is perforated, as is frequentlythe case in a processing machine where business forms are being printedon the web.

The problems center around the fact that if the web is severed too earlyor too late relative to the positioning of the new core to receive theweb, during the transition, then the web may not be properly receivedand wound on the new core, but instead may flow onto the base of therewinder, or otherwise result in substantial waste material. Moreover,the entire processing system including the printing press may have to bestopped in order to rectify the problem. This results in inefficiencyand waste of time and material. Furthermore, the tension in the web,particularly a perforated web, during the transition is somewhatcritical. If the web tension changes substantially, then it could causetearing of the web which would prevent the web from being transferred tothe new core and also result in waste material.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is theprovision of a new and improved turret rewinder wherein the transitionof the web for winding on a new core is effected in a highly efficientand reliable manner with a minimum possibility of the web not beingeffectively and efficiently trans ferred to the new core, thusminimizing the possibility of waste material and lost time.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved turret rewinder which operates through the transition periodduring which the web is transferred for winding from one core to asecond core without the intervention of the operator of the machine, andwherein the entire transition period is automatically controlled andwhich control includes the actuation of a cutting knife by movement ofthe new core into position to engage the web without operatorintervention and with a minimum change in the tension of the web.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a turret rewinderfor continuously winding a web wherein the web is transferred from arotatably driven completed roll to a new core, with the transfer beingeffected by rotating a turret mechanism to bring the new core intoengagement with the web and thereby operate a control device which stopsthe rotation of the turret, actuates a knife mechanism, and initiatesthe operation of a timing device which, after a predetermined period oftime, stops the rotation of the completed roll.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a turretrewinder for continuously winding a web which is transferred from a coreupon which it is being wound to a new core by rotating the turretmechanism to bring the new core into engagement with the web at atransfer station, and wherein the rotation of the turret mechanism isstopped when the new core reaches an acceleration station at which thenew core is accelerated to a predetermined speed, which is equal to orslightly greater than the web speed, whereupon the turret mechanismagain automatically rotates in response to the new core reaching thepredetermined speed to bring the new core into engagement with the webat the transfer station.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a turretrewinder for continuously winding a web onto cores to form rolls andwherein the turret mechanism of the rewinder is rotated to bring acompleted roll to an unlatching station, whereupon rotation of theturret mechanism is stopped to enable the completed roll to beunlatched, and the turret mechanism is then rotated to a loading stationat which the turret mechanism is stopped to enable a new core to beloaded in the rewinder, the finished roll having been ejected from therewinder.

Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of thefollowing detailed description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention made with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a turret rewinder constructedaccording to the present invention and illustrating the manner in whicha web is wound onto a rotatably driven core to form a roll;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 andwith parts broken;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A 4F.are a series of schematic views illustrating the sequentialmovements of the turret rewinder; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the circuitry for controllingthe operation of the turret rewinder.

The present invention provides an improved mechanism for winding a webof material into rolls after the web has been processed by a processingmachine. Such a machine is com monly referred to as a rewinder and willbe so referred to in this application. The rewinder may receive a webfrom any type of processing machine, but is particularly adapted for usewith a printing press to wind web material into rolls after the materialis printed. The rewinder of the present invention is of the turret typeand is capable of winding rolls of material continuously so that theprinting press can be continuously operated.

Considering now in detail the FIGS. of the drawings, a turret rewinder,generally indicated 11, is shown for continuously winding a web intorolls after the web is printed in a printing press, not shown. Theturret rewinder 11 is located at the end of the printing press in whichthe web is printed. The image printed onto the web in the illustratedembodiment is that of a series of business forms. The web after beingprinted is advanced through a perforator 15 (see FIG. 5) for providing aseries of spaced perforations therein, and then is advanced through anumber printing unit 17 which 'consecutiveiy numbers the series ofbusiness forms printed on the web. However, as noted above, the webcould be a plain, unprinted perforated web or a coated web of carbontissue. The web is then advanced through a counter 19 for measuring thefootage passing through the machine. From the counter 19, the web movesthrough a dancer roll assembly 21 for maintaining the proper tension inthe web. The web is then advanced to the turret rewinder 11. Theperforator 15, number printing unit 17, and counter 19 are conventionaland, therefore, will not be described.

The turret rewinder 11, in general, includes a pair of side framemembers 23, 25. The side frame members 23, 25 rotatably support a pairof turrets 37, 39, respectively. The turret 37 rotatably supports a pairof spindles 41, 41 at diametrically opposite locations. The spindles 41,41 are adapted to receive one end of a respective shaft or bar 42 onwhich a core is supported and on which the core is wound. The other endof the shaft 42 is rotatably mounted and latched in any suitable mannerto the turret 39. The shaft 42, of

course, rotates upon rotation of the spindle in which it is mounted soas to wind the web thereon.

As shown in FIG. 1, the web is being wound on the shaft 42 which iscarried in the spindle 41, and the spindle 41 is located in a workingposition, generally designated I. The spindle 41 is located in a readyposition, designated IV, with another shaft 42 mounted therein. When thefootage counter 19 indicates that the desired length of material is onthe roll on the shaft 42, the number printing unit 17 is automaticallyactuated in a conventional manner to stop the consecutive numbering ofthe printed business forms thereby. Also, the turrets 37, 39 are rotatedto bring a new core carried by spindle 41' to an acceleration station V,FIG. 48, at which the new core is brought up to speed to substantiallymatch the web speed. Meanwhile, a knife assembly 43, FIG. 2, has movedinto the position shown, whereby a roller 45 has contacted and depressedthe web into a predetermined position, irrespective of the diameter ofthe roll being rewound. The new core is then moved by turret rotation tothe transfer station VI, FIG. 4C, at which it receives the web forwinding thereon. The new core has a suitable adhesive, such as adhesivetapes secured thereto, and which grip or adhere to the web uponengagement therewith. As shown in FIG. 4C, a cutoff knife 109a of thecutoff knife assembly 43 is then actuated to sever the web, and theleading severed end of the web is then wound onto the new core to whichit is adhered.

The turrets 37, 39 again rotate until the completed roll 33 is broughtto an unlatching station 11, FIG. 4D, at the discharge end of the turretrewinder 11 where the completed roll 33 is unlatched by the operator.Further rotation of the turrets 37, 39 deposits the completed roll 33 onthe floor and moves the empty spindle 41 to a loading station III, FIG.4B. A new core, suitably mounted on another shaft 42, is loaded into theturret rewinder 11 at the loading station III. With the new coreproperly loaded, the turrets 37, 39 are again rotated until the new coreis brought to the ready station IV to await another transfer operation,and the core being wound by the spindle 41 is brought to the finalwinding station.

Considering the turret rewinder 11 in greater detail and referring toFIG. 3, the turret 39 is suitably attached by bolts 47 to a central hub49a of a large diameter gear 49 which is rotatably supported by a ballbearing assembly 50 in the frame member 25. The turret 37 on the gearside of the turret rewinder 11 is rotatably supported in the framemember 23 by an annular bushing 51 which engages a smooth cylindricalinboard portion 37 a of the turret 37.

The turrets 37, 39 are synchronously driven by a motor 55 (FIG. I)located on the gear side of the turret rewinder 11. The motor 55 isconnected through a chain and sprocket drive, generally indicated 57, toa shaft 59 having spaced gears 61, 63 mounted thereon. The gear 63engages the large diameter gear 49 rotatably supported by the framemember 25 while the gear 61 engages teeth 37b formed on the outboardperiphery of the turret 37.

The turret 37 is held square in the frame member 23 by a shaft 65 whichextends between the turret 37 and a generally Y-shaped outboard supportbracket 67 which is bolted to the base plate and connected to the framemember 23 by bolts 69 inserted through spacer sleeves 71. The inboardportion of the shaft 65 is supported in an axial bore 370 formed in acentral hub 37d of the turret 37 while the outboard portion of the shaft65 is rotatably supported by a ball bearing assembly 73 in the center ofthe Y-shaped bracket 67. The opposite ends of the shaft 65 are threaded,and nuts 74, 75 are threaded thereon to hold the shaft in the centralhub 37d of the turret 37 and the ball bearing assembly 73 in theoutboard support bracket 67. This construction provides stability forthe turret 37 and prevents end play thereof.

Mounted on the turret 39 at diametrically opposite locations andequidistant from the axis thereof are latching mechanisms 77, 77respectively, for rotatably supporting and 1 holding an end ofa shaft 42on which a core is mounted. The

latching mechanisms 77, 77' may be of conventional construction so as tosupport the end of the shaft 42 for rotation about its own axis and,yet, latches the shaft 42 to the turret 39 for rotation therewith.Accordingly, the latching mechanisms 77, 77 are shown schematically. Atcorresponding locations in the turret 37, i.e., corresponding with thepositions of the latching mechanisms 77, 77 are the first and secondspindles 41, 41', for receiving and supporting the opposite ends of theshafts 42, on which a core is mounted.

The spindle 41 is rotatably supported in a bore 81 formed in the turret37 by inboard and outboard ball bearing assemblies 83, 85. The spindle41 has a sprocket 87 at the outboard end thereof for enabling it to berotatably driven. The spindle 41' is identical to the spindle 41 exceptfor the alignment of the sprocket 87 for driving purposes, as will beapparent from the description below, and is rotatably mounted in theturret 37 in the same manner as spindle 41. Accordingly, correspondingreference numerals with prime designations are placed on identical partsassociated with the spindles 41, 41.

The spindles 41, 41' are driven by rewind motors 89, 89', respectively,secured to the base platefRotatably mounted on the turret shaft 65between the frame member 23 and theoutboard bracket 67 are twoconcentric and relatively rotatable sleeve assemblies 97, 97', eachhaving a pair of axially spaced sprockets 93, 95, and 93', respectively,attached thereto. The rewind motor 89 drives the first spindle 41through a chain and sprocket drive, generally indicated 91, whichincludes the first pair of axially spaced sprockets 93, 95, while thesecond rewind motor 89' drives the second spindle 41' through anotherchain and sprocket drive, generally indicated 91, which includes theother pair of axially spaced sprockets 93, 95.

The cutoff knife assembly 43 is located on the press end of the turretrewinder 11 and, as noted above, operates to sever the web during thetransfer of the web from one core to another core. The knife assembly 43includes a pair of brackets 92, 93 that are secured to a shaft 96 whichextends through the frame members 23, 25 and is rotatably mountedtherein. On the gear side of turret rewinder 11, one end of a crank arm97a (FIG. 1) is secured to the shaft 96, while the opposite end 9712 ispivotally connected to a piston rod 99a of a solenoid actuated pneumaticcylinder 99. The pneumatic cylinder 99 is pivotally connected to thebase plate and serves to pivot the knife assembly 43 about the axis ofshaft 96.

Extending between the brackets 92, 93 of the knife assembly 43 is aroller 45 which engages the web and moves it to a predeterminedtransition position, as is further discussed below, when the knifeassembly 43 is pivoted by actuation of cylinder 99. Normally, the knifeassembly 43 is in a retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4D, 4E and4F, and is thus out of the way so as not to interfere with otheroperations of the rewinder. The knife assembly 43 is moved to thetransition position, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4B and 4C from the retractedposition by the cylinder 99. The amount of movement of the roller 45 isthe same for all diameter finished rolls and, thus, the web is alwayspositioned in the same location for transition to a new core. Alsoextending between the brackets 92, 93 adjacent to the knife roller 45 isthe cutoff knife assembly 100.

The cutoff knife assembly 190 includes the knife blade 100a movablerelative to a support 1001; therefor. Suitable guide mechanism isassociated with the knife blade 100a to guide the movement thereof. Theknife blade 100a is moved by a cylinder 1.00s which has a piston rodsuitably attached thereto. The cylinder Mlllc is automatically operatedat the proper time in response to actuation of a solenoid, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

Also associated with the knife assembly 43 is a web guide roll 45a. Theweb guide roll 45a is rotatably supported on shaft 96. The web, as itenters the rewinder 11, is trained under the roll 45a and thus guidedinto the rewinder. The roll 45 is located downstream from the roll 45a,as should be apparent from the drawings. Moreover, the knife 100a isdownstream of the roll 45, and when actuated, cuts the web immediatelyadjacent the roll 45, but in the area between the roll 45 and the coreat the work station 1 on which the web is being wound.

The operation of the turret rewinder 11 is controlled by a plurality ofswitches located on the frame members and actuated by the movement ofthe turret 39 and the knife assembly 43. On the operator side of theturret rewinder 11, between the gear 49 and the frame member 25, are twosets of axially spaced cams secured to the gear 49. Certain of theswitches, namely SW-l, SW-2, SW-4, are actuated by a pair ofdiametrically opposite cams A-l, A-2 which are located in radialalignment with the first and second latching mechanisms 77, 77respectively. Switch SW-l is located at the ready station IV forstopping the rotation of the turrets 37, 39 when a new core is in theready station IV. The switch SW-Z is located diametrically opposite theunlatching station 11 for stopping the rotation of turrets 37, 39 when acompleted roll is at the unlatching station II. The switch SW4 islocated at the loading station 11] for stopping the rotation of theturrets 37, 39 to enable a new core to be loaded into the turrets.

Another set of switches, namely, SW-10, SW41, are supported by the framemember 25 and are actuated by a cam B which is secured to the gear 49.The switches SW-10, SW-ll are axially spaced from switches SW-l, SW-2and SW-4, and the cams A A-2 do not move in a path which would result intheir actuation of switches SW-10, SW-.11. Likewise, cam B is located soas not to actuate switches SW-l, SW-2 and SW-4. Switch SW-11 is locatedadjacent the top of the turret rewinder and operates to stop the turretwhen one spindle 41 with a new core is at the acceleration station V,and switch SW- is located adjacent the bottom of the turret rewinderoperates to stop the turret when the other spindle 41' is at theacceleration station V. v

To enable an operator to start the rotation of the turrets 37 39, aturret pushbutton switch 125 is located at the discharge end of theturret rewinder 11. In addition, a switch SW-8 is located adjacent tothe unloading station for disabling the turret pushbutton switch 125until the completed roll is unlatched. Also a switch SW-9 is located attheloading station for enabling the turret pushbutton switch 125 to beoperated when a new core is loaded into the turret rewinder 11. Thespindle 41 has an axial bore 410 formedtherethrough in which aspring-biased plunger 103 is mounted, and the insertion of acore-supporting shaft 42 into the spindle 41 at the loading station lllmoves the plunger 103 and operates switch SW-9. Another spring-biasedplunger 103' is mounted in the other spindle 41' in the same identicalmanner.

Furthennore, a switch SW-12 is located on the gear side of the turretrewinder 11 and is operated by the'movement of the end 97b of the crankarm when the knife assembly 43 moves to the transition position. Theswitch SW -12 is also actuated when a new core engages the web and movesthe knife assembly 43 in a direction toward its retracted position. Thefunction, actuation and operation of theseswitches will be more apparentupon a consideration of the operation of the turret rewinder 11, to bedescribed below.

The switches, noted above, form part of a control circuit forcontrolling the operation-of the rewind motors 89, 89' for the spindles41, 41' and the motor 55 for the turret drive. The spindle 41 isrotatably driven by the first rewind motor 89 through an eddy currentclutch 105 and brake 107 which are electrically controlled by thecircuit containing the switches (See FIG. 5). More specifically, therewind motor 89 is controlled by a first rewind motor circuit 109, theclutch 105 is controlled by a clutch circuit 111, and the brake 107 iscontrolled by a brake control circuit 113. Initially, before the firstspindle 41 is rotatably driven to wind a roll, the clutch circuit 111 isturned OFF and the brake circuit 113 is turned ON by a signal from aprinting press control circuit 115 which controls the operation of theprinting press. The rewind motor circuit 109 is controlled by anoperator control switch, not shown,

and is normally turned ON by the operator to operate the rewind motor89.

The actuation of the switch SW-ll starts the rotation of the spindle 41by turning the clutch circuit 111 ON to energize the clutch and byenabling the brake circuit '113 to receive a signal from the remotegovernor generator which turns the brake circuit 113 OFF, therebycausing the motor 89 to drive the spindle 41. During the initialoperation of the rewind motor, the clutch and brake circuits .111, 113,respectively, are operated so as to control the speed of the core drivenby the spindle 41. When the first clutch circuit 111 is turned ON, itreceives a predetermined bias signal from a comparator circuit 117 whichcontrols the energization of the clutch 105 throughthe clutch circuit111. The comparator circuit 117 produces the predetermined bias signalin response to a reference signal produced by circuitry, not shown,which may be considered to be a part of the comparator circuit 117itself. The clutch 105, as should be apparent, controls the torquetransmitted by the motor 89 to the spindle 41.The function of thecomparator circuit 117 will be described in greater detail below.

As the spindle 41 is initially driven by the motor 89, the brake circuit113 receives a signal from the remote governor generator 120 whichisindicative of the linear speed of the web and another signal from thefirst rewind governor generator 127 which is indicative of the speed ofthe core. The rewind governor generator 127 is of a conventionalconstruction. and is responsive to the rotational speed of the spindle41. When the peripheral speed of the core, asindicated by the firstrewind governor generator is equal to or slightly greater, byapproximately 5 percent, than the linear speed of the web, as indicatedby the remote governor generator 127, the first brake circuit 113 isturned ON to prevent further acceleration of the core and to maintainthe peripheral speed of the core in relation to the linear speed of theweb.

Before the core engages the web so as to wind the web into a roll, thedrive for the spindle 41 is operated so as to maintain the peripheralspeed of the core in relation tothe linear speed of the web,,as notedabove. However, when the core engages the web so as to wind it into aroll, the drive for the spindle 41 is operated so as to maintain asubstantially constant tension in the web. To operate the spindle drivein response to the tension in the web, the energization of the clutch105 which is controlled through the clutch circuit .111 is varied by thebias signal produced by the comparator circuit to control the torquetransmitted from the motor 89 to the spindle 41. The comparator circuit117 is adapted to receive a signal from the remote governor generator120, which is indicative of the linear speed of the web, a signal fromthe rewind governor generator 127, which is indicative of the speed ofthe spindle 41, a signal from the motor circuit 109 which is indicativeof the load current of the rewind motor 89, and a signal from a tensionsensor 1.16 which is indicative of the tension in the web and responsiveto movement of the dancer roll 21 of the assembly. The comparatorcircuit responds to these signals, in addition to the reference signal,to produce the bias signal. In addition, the reference signal and thesignal from the motor circuit are altered by the operation of amotor-operated potentiometer 118 to vary the bias signal produced by thecomparator circuit 117 in response to the buildup of the roll on thecore. The operation of the motor-operated potentiometer 118 isresponsive to the signals from the remote governor generator 120 and therewind governor generator 127 so that the alteration of the referencesignal and the signal from the motor control circuit 109 corresponds tothe buildup of the roll on the core.

When the switch SW-12 is actuated by engagement of a new core with theweb, the operation of the clutch, and brake circuits 111, 113,respectively, is changed from controlling the speed of the core tocontrolling the tension in the web, as noted above. The operation of theswitch SW-12 turns the brake circuit 113 OFF and enables the comparatorcircuit 117 to receive the signal from the tension sensor 116. Also, theoperation of the'switch SW-12 enables the comparator circuit 117 toreceive the signal from the motor circuit 109. In addition, switch SW-12initiates the operation of a timer control circuit 119 for apredetermined period of time. The timer control circuit 119 is connectedin controlling relation with the motor operated potentiometer 118. Whenthe timer control circuit 119 completes its operation, it turns themotor operated potentiometer 118 ON to vary the bias signal produced bythe comparator circuit 1 17. The comparator circuit 117, as controlled,by the motor-operated potentiometer, generally serves to maintain theproper torque force on the spindle 41 in accordance with the linearspeed of the web, as indicated by the remote governor generator 127, thespeed of the spindle 41, and the increasing size of the roll beingwound, as described above. Accordingly, as the size of the rollincreases, the torque transmitted by the motor 89 to the spindle 41 isincreased, and as the diameter of the roll increases, the speed of thespindle 41 is decreased. Accordingly, as the web tension increases, thebias signal produced by the comparator circuit 117 serves to reduce theenergization of the clutch 105 to reduce the tension in the web, andwhen the web tension decreases, the energization of the clutch 105 iscorrespondingly increased to maintain a substantially constant webtension.

As the web is wound into a roll, the motor-operated potentiometer 118also produces a signal indicative of the roll diameter, which signal isapplied to a roll diameter limit circuit 121 connected in controllingrelation with the press control circuit 115. As a result, if the rolldiameter becomes too great at certain times during the rewinderoperation, the press will be stopped. As the turrets 37, 39 rotate,switches SW-Z, SW-4 and SW-l are operated and connected with rolldiameter limit circuit 121 to set 10, 20 and 24-inch diameter limits,respectively, for the roll being wound by the first spindle 4].Accordingly, the turrets must be rotated to deactuate the respectiveswitch before the diameter of the roll being wound exceeds the limit setby the switch. Otherwise, the roll diameter limit circuit 121 willrespond to the signal from the first motoroperated potentiometer 118 andturn the press control circuit OFF to stop the press.

When the roll wound by one spindle is complete, the turrets 37, 39 arerotated to bring the core driven by the other spindle into engagementwith the web at the transfer station, whereupon switch SW-12 initiatesthe operation of the timer control circuit 119 for a predeterminedperiod of operation. The circuit 119 turns the first clutch circuit 111OFF and turns the first brake circuit 113 ON to stop the rotation of thecompleted roll. Further rotation of the turrets operates switch SW-2which resets the motor-operated potentiometer 118 in preparation forwinding of another roll by the first spindle 41.

The turrets 37, 39 are rotatably driven by the turret motor 55 which iscontrolled by a turret circuit 123 that is turned OFF and ON to move thespindles 41, 41' through a circular path past the various stations. Whenit is desirable to transfer the web from a completed roll being wound bythe spindle 41 at the work station I to a new core associated with thesecond spindle 41' at the ready station IV, the turret circuit 123 isturned ON by a signal from the counter 19 to rotate the turrets 37, 39until the second spindle 41' is brought to the acceleration station V,whereupon cam B operates switch SW-10. Of course, this operation can beinitiated by the operator if a counter is' not desired. Switch SW40turns the turret circuit 123 OFF and causes the second spindle 41' toaccelerate the new core. The switch SW- turns the clutch circuit 111 ONand the brake circuit 113 OFF for the motor 89, in the manner describedabove in connection with SW-I 1. When the peripheral speed of thenew'core is equal to or slightly greater (105 percent) than the linearspeed of the web, the brake circuit 113' turns the turret circuit 123'ONto rotate the turrets 37, 39 until the new core engages the web at thetransfer station VI. The turret circuit 123 is turned ON withoutoperator intervention, as described above in connection with the drivefor spindle 41. When the core in spindle 41 engages the web, switchSW-12 is operated in response thereto and operates to turn the turretcircuit 123 OFF and initiates the operation of the timer control circuit119.

When the timer control circuit 119 completes its period of operation, itturns the turret circuit 123 ON to move the completed roll to theunlatch station II, whereupon cam A-2 operates switch SW-2 which turnsthe turret circuit 123 OFF and disables turret pushbutton 125 from beingoperated. The unlatching of the completed roll at the unlatch stationoperates switch SW-8 which enables the turret pushbutton switch 125 tobe operated. When the turret pushbutton 125 is operated by an operator,the turret circuit 123 is turned ON to rotate the turrets 37, 39 andmove the empty spindle to the loading station III, whereupon cam A-loperates switch SW-4 which turns the turret circuit 123 OFF and disablesthe turret pushbutton 125 from being operable.

At the loading station, a new core suitably mounted on a shaft 42 isloaded into the turret rewinder 11 in preparation for the winding of anew roll. The insertion of one end of the shaft into the empty spindleoperates switch SW-9 which enables the turret pushbutton switch 125 tobe operable. When the turret pushbutton switch 125 is operated, theturret circuit is again turned ON to move the new core to the readystation IV, whereupon cam A-1 operates switch SW-l to turn the turretcircuit 123 OFF. The other half-cycle of operation is identical to thatpreviously described except that switch SW- 11 and the first brakecircuit 113 operate the turret circuit 123 instead of switch SW40 andthe second brake circuit 113.

To transfer the web from a completed roll to a new core, it is necessaryto move the solenoid-actuated knife assembly 43 from its retractedposition to the transfer station and operate it when the new coreengages the web. When cam B operates either switch SW-10 or switchSW-ll, a transition solenoid 129 is energized to cause the pneumaticcylinder 99 to pivot the knife assembly 43 toward the web until thecutoff knife assembly 43 is at the transfer station V1. The pivotalmovement of the knife assembly 43 brings the knife roller 45 intoengagement with the web and moves the web to apredetermined transitionposition in the circular path of the new core being moved to thetransfer station VI. In addition, the pivotal movement of the knifeassembly 43 brings a cam 131 located on the end of the crank arm 97binto engagement with switch SW-12, thereby conditioning it to operatethe solenoid-actuated knife a and the timer control circuit 119. Themovement of the web by the roller 45 is through a short distance anddoes not greatly affect the tension in the web. However, any tensionchange which might occur may be sensed and compensated for by the dancerroll assembly. The movement of the turret also does not greatly affectweb tension, however, if any tension change does occur it may becompensated for by the dancer roll assembly.

The movement of the new core into engagement with the web at thetransfer station VI, pivots the knife assembly 43 from the transitionposition and triggers the switch SW-12. More specifically, the new coreengages the roller 45 to effect this movement of the knife assembly 43.The operation of the switch SW-l2 initiates the operation of the timercontrol circuit 119 for a predetermined period of time and energizes thecylinder 100a of the knife assembly 43 to sever the web and enable it tobe wound onto the new core. When the timer control circuit 119 completesits period of operation, it deenergizes the knife assembly 43 anddeenergizes the transition solenoid 129 to cause the cylinder 99 topivot the knife assembly 43 away from the roll being wound on the newcore.

The operation of the rewinder 11 should be apparent from the abovedescription of the switches and circuitry. However, the sequentialoperation of the turret rewinder will now be described beginning withthe rewinder in the position shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, the spindle41 is located at the working station I and the spindle 41 is located atthe ready station IV. The spindle 41 is being rotated and the spindle41' is stationary due to the fact that the brake 107 is energized andthe clutch is deenergized. The web moves from the printing press throughthe number printing unit 17, the counter 19, and the dancer rollassembly 21 onto a core rotatably driven by the spindle 41 located atthe work station 1. While the roll is being wound by spindle 41, thecomparator circuit 117 applies a bias signal to the clutch circuit 111to increase torque transmitted from the motor 89 to the spindle 41 asthe diameter of the roll increases. This maintains the tension in theweb substantially constant. This bias signal is responsive to theoperation of the motor-operated potentiometer 118 and a signal from theweb tension sensor 116 which is operated by the dancer roll assembly 21,as described above.

After a period of time when a predetermined length of the web has beenwound onto the roll by the first spindle 41, the counter 19 operates todeactuate the number printing unit 17 and, at the same time, turns theturret circuit 123 ON to rotate the turrets 37, 39. The turrets 37, 39rotate until the new core reaches the acceleration station V,whereupon-cam B operates switch SW-l (FIG. 48) to stop the rotation ofthe turrets 37, 39 and energized the transition solenoid 129 to pivotthe knife assembly 43 toward the web. The pivotal movement of the knifeassembly 43 places the cutofi knife assembly 43 at the transfer stationVI, and brings the knife roller 45 into engagement with the web andmoves it to a predetermined transition position, asshown in FIG. 4B.

In addition, the pivotal movement of the knife assembly 43 conditionsswitch SW-l2 for the transfer operation. At the same time, the switchSW- turns the second clutch circuit 111 ON and enables the second brakecircuit 113' to receive a signal from the remote governor generator 120which turns the brake circuit OFF, thereby causing the motor 89' todrive the spindle 41. The core driven by the second spindle 41' isaccelerated until its peripheral speed, as indicated by the rewindgovernor generator 127 is approximately approximately 105 percent of thelinear speed of the web, whereupon the brake circuit 117 is turned ON toprevent further acceleration and maintain the speed of the core relativeto the speed of the web. Also, the brake circuit 117' turns the turretcontrol circuit 123 ON to move the new core into engagement with the webat the transfer station Vl, as shown in FIG. 4C, and as noted above.

When the new core engages the web, the web attaches to the adhesive onthe core and thus the web immediately tends to wind up on the new core.Moreover, the new core, when it engages the web is forced to assume thespeed'of the web and moves the knife roller 45 from the transitionposition and operates switch SW-l2 to stop the rotation of the turrets37, 39. Switch SW-12 also energizes the knife solenoid 1000 to effectsevering of the portion of the web which is in advance of the portion ofthe web adhered to the new core. The knife actuation occurs extremelyrapidly so as to effect severing of the proper portion of the web. Theleading severed end of the web is then wound onto the new coreassociated with spindle 41. The switch SW-12 initiates the operation ofthe timer control circuit 119 to continue the rotation of the completedroll on the first spindle 41, thereby enabling the trailing end of thesevered web to be wound onto the roll on spindle 41. This also ensuresthat tension will not be lost prematurely in the full roll. in addition,the switch SW-l2 turns the second brake circuit 113 OFF and enables thesecond torque circuit 117' to receive the signal from the tension sensor116 to maintain a substantially constant web tension.

When the timer control circuit 119 completes its period of operation, itstops the rotation of the completed roll on spindle 41 by turning thefirst clutch circuit 111 OFF and the first brake circuit 113 ON. Also,the timer control circuit 119 turns the transition solenoid OFF toeffect pivoting of the knife assembly 43 away from the web.Additionally, the timer control circuit 119 turns the turret circuit 123ON to rotate the second spindle 41' from the transfer station. Moreover,the timer circuit 119 initiates the operation of the motor-operatedpotentiometer 118' to vary the bias signal produced by the comparatorcircuit 117' in accordance with roll buildup so as to maintain theproper tension in the web now being wound by spindle 41'.

The turrets 37, 39 rotate until the completed roll on the first spindle41 is brought to the unlatching station 11, as shown in FIG. 4D,whereupon cam A-2 operates switch SW-2 to stop the rotation of theturrets 37, 39 and disable the turret pushbutton switch from beingoperated. In addition, switch SW-2 resets the motor-operatedpotentiometer 118 and sets a lO-inch roll diameter limit in the rolldiameter limit circuit 121'. The l0 -inch diameter provides enough timefor the operator to perform the unlatching operation, but but if theoperator does not unlatch the full roll, the press stops, therefore, ajam-up of the new roll with the mechanism is prevented. When thecompleted roll is unlatched at the loading station, switch SW-8 isoperated to condition the turret pushbutton 125 for operation.

When the turret pushbutton 125 is manually operated, the turrets 37, 39rotate and deposit the completed roll on the floor. The turrets 37, 39continue to rotate until the first spindle 41 reaches the loadingstation lll, whereupon cam A-l operates switch SW-4, as shown in FIG.4E. Switch SW-4 stops the rotation of the turrets 37, 39 to enable a newcore to be loaded in the turret rewinder 11. In addition, switch SW-4sets a 20 -inch diameter limit for the roll being wound by the secondspindle 41 and disables the turret pushbutton 125 from being operated.The 20-inch diameter limit provides enough time for loading a newcore'in the rewinder. If the operator does not, the press will stop.

1n preparation for winding a new roll, another core suitably mounted ona shaft 42 is loaded into the turret rewinder 11 with one end of theshaft 42 being inserted into the spindle 41 and the other end beinglatched to the turret 37. The insertion of the shaft 42 into the spindle41 operates switch SW-9 which conditions the turret pushbutton 125 foroperation. When the turret pushbutton 125 is again operated, the turrets37, 39 rotate until the first spindle 41 is brought to the readyposition, whereupon cam A-l operates SW-1 to stop the rotation of theturrets and sets a 24-inch diameter limit for the roll being wound bythe second spindle 41', as shown in FIG. 4F. The roll diameter limits,which are set, are dependent upon the physical design of the rewinderand namely, the distance between the centers of the spindles 41, 41'.These limits could be changed by changing the physical design of therewinder.

After a period of time, the counter 19 again causes a new roll to bewound by effecting the transfer of the web from the roll being wound bythe second spindle 41' to the new core rotatably driven by the firstspindle 41. The operation of the turret rewinder 11 will be similar tothat previously described except that switch SW-l SW-ll will perform thefunctions of switch SW-10 during the previous half-cycle of operation.In this manner, the rewinder continues to form rolls of web materialwithout requiring stopping of the press.

It should be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention has been described in considerable detail and that certainchanges, adaptations, and modifications can be made in the preferredembodiment of the present invention and it is intended to cover all suchchanges, modifications, and adaptations covered by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turretrotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supportedby said turret for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound,first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said first spindle, asecond spindle rotatably supported by said turret for supporting asecond core on which the web is wound after said first core is wound,second spindle drive means for rotatably driving said second spindle,turret drive means for rotating said turret to selectively position saidfirst and second cores at a work station at which the cores are woundand at a transfer station at which the web is transferred from onecoreto the other core for winding on the other core, a cutoff knifelocated at the transfer station and operable upon actuation to effectsevering of the web, a control circuit connected in controlling relationwith said turret drive means and said cutoff knife, said control circuitincluding means operable in response to the movement of the other coreinto engagement with the web at said transfer station for stopping theoperation of said turret drive means so as to stop said other core atthe transfer station and for actuatling said cutoff knife to effectsevering of the web.

6 2. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 1wherein said control circuit includes timing means having apredetermined period of operation and actuated in response to themovement of the core into engagement with the web and operable to startthe operation of said turret drive means upon termination of thepredetermined period of time so as to move the other spindle from thetransfer station.

3. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 1 whereinsaid control circuit is connected in controlling relation to the spindledrive means associated with the one spindle carrying said one core, andsaid control circuit includes timing means having a predetermined periodof operation and operable in response to the movement of the other coreinto engagement with the web for stopping the operation of said onespindle drive means upon termination of the predetermined period oftime.

4. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turretrotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supportedby said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web iswound, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret forsupporting a second core upon which the web is wound, said first andsecond spindles being supported by said turret in circumferentiallyspaced relation to each other and at substantially equal radialdistances from the axis of said turret so as to move along a common pathupon rotation of said turret, a knife assembly having a knife roller anda cutoff knife, said knife assembly being movable to a transfer stationto bring said knife roller into engagement with the web and move the webto a predetermined transition position in the path of the second core,power means for moving said knife carriage to the transfer station,turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move the secondcore into engagement with the web and cause said second core to movesaid knife roller away from the predetermined transition position, andmeans operable in response to movement of the knife roller by saidsecond core to actuate said cutoff knife to sever the web.

5. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turretrotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supportedby said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web iswound, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret forsupporting a second core upon which the web is wound, said first andsecond spindles being supported by said turret in circumferentiallyspaced relation to each other and at substantially equal radialdistances from the axis of said turret so as to move along a common pathupon rotation of said turret, a knife assembly having a knife roller anda cutoff knife, said knife assembly being movable to a transfer stationto bring said knife roller into engagement with the web and move the webto a predetermined transition position in the path of the second core,power means for movirig said knife carriage to the transfer station,turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move the secondcore into engagement with the web and cause said second core to movesaid knife roller away from the predetermined transition position, andmeans operable in response to movement of the knife roller by saidsecond core to actuate said cutoff knife tosever the web, saidlast-recited means including a control circuit connected in controllingrelation with said turret drive means, said control circuit beingoperable in response to the movement of the knife roller by the secondcore to stop the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop saidsecond spindle at the transfer station.

6. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 5 whereinsaid control circuit includes timing means having apredetermined periodof operation and operable in response to the movement of the kniferoller by the second core for starting the operation of said turretdrive means upon termination of the predetermined period of time so asto move said second spindle from the transfer station.

7. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turretrotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supportedby said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web iswound, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret forsupporting a second core upon which the web is wound, said first andsecond spindles being supported by said turret in circumferentiallyspaced relation to each other and at substantially equal radialdistances from the axis of said turret so as to move along a common pathupon rotation of said turret, a knife assembly having a knife roller anda cutoff knife, said knife assembly being movable to a transfer stationto bring said knife roller into engagement with the web and move the webto a predetermined transition position in the path of the second core,power means for moving said knife carriage to the transfer station,turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move the secondcore into engagement with the web and cause said second core to movesaid knife roller away from the predetermined transition position, andmeans operable in response to movement of the knife roller by saidsecond core to actuate said cutoff knife to sever the web, saidlast-recited means including a control circuit connected in controllingrelation with said power means, said turret drive means rotatablydriving said turret to move said second spindle past an accelerationstation to the transfer station, said control circuit said secondincluding further means operable in response to the movement of saidsecond spindle to the acceleration station for actuating said powermeans for moving said knife assembly to the transfer station.

8. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 7 whereinsaid control circuit is connected in controlling relation to said turretdrive means and with said further means being operable in response tothe movement of said second spindle to the acceleration station forstopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop thesecond spindle at the acceleration station while said knife assembly ismoved to the transfer station.

9. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turretrotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supportedby said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web iswound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said firstspindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret and forsupporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drive meansfor rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle past anacceleration station to a transfer station where the web is transferredfrom a completed roll on the second core to the first core, and acontrol circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drivemeans and said first spindle drive means, said control circuit includingfirst means operable in response to the movement of said first spindleto the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turretdrive means so as to stop said first spindle at the acceleration stationand for starting the operation of said first spindle drive means so asto accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, and saidcontrol circuit including further means responsive to the accelerationof the first spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operationof said turret drive means to move said first spindle from theacceleration station to the transfer station.

10. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, aturret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatablysupported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which theweb is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving saidfirst spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret andfor supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drivemeans for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle pastan acceleration station to a transfer station where the web istransferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core,a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turretdrive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuitincluding first means operable in response to the movement of said firstspindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of saidturret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at the accelerationstation and for starting the operation of said first spindle drive meansso as to accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, saidcontrol circuit including further means responsive to the accelerationof the first spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operationof said turret drive means to move said first spindle from theacceleration station to the transfer station, and a second spindle drivemeans for rotatably driving said second spindle, said control circuitbeing connected in controlling relation to said second spindle drivemeans, said turret drive means being operable for rotatably driving saidturret to move said second spindle past the acceleration station to thetransfer station, said control circuit including second means operablein response to the movement of said second spindle to the accelerationstation for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as tostop said second spindle at the acceleration station and for startingthe operation of said second spindle drive means" so as to accelerateanother core supported by said second spindle, and said control circuitincluding means responsive tothe acceleration of the second spindle to apredetermined speed for starting the operation of said turret drivemeans to move said second spindle from the acceleration station to thetransfer station.

11. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, aturret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatablysupported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which theweb is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving saidfirst spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret andfor supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drivemeans for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle pastan acceleration station to a transfer station where the web istransferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core,a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turretdrive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuitincluding first means operable in response to the movement of said firstspindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of saidturret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at thea'ccelerationstation and for starting the operation of said firstspindle drive means so as to accelerate the first core supported by saidfirst spindle, said control circuit including further means responsiveto the acceleration of the first spindle to a predetermined speed forstarting the operation of said turret'drive means to move said firstspindle from the acceleration station to the transfer station, and acutoff knife assembly movable to the transfer station and power meansfor moving said knife assembly to the transfer station, said controlcircuit being connected in controlling relation to said power means andwith said first means being operable in response to the movement of saidfirst spindle to the acceleration station for actuating said power meansfor moving said cutoff knife assembly to the transfer station.

12. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, aturret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatablysupported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which theweb is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving saidfirst spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret andfor supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drivemeans for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle pastan acceleration station to a transfer station 'where the web istransferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core,a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turretdrive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuitincluding first means operable in response to the movement of said firstspindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of saidturret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at the accelerationstation and for starting the operation of said first spindle drive meansso as to accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, saidfirst control circuit circuit including further means responsive to theacceleration of the first spindle to a predetermined speed for startingthe operation of said turret drive means to move said first spindle fromthe acceleration station to the transfer station, said first spindledrive means including a motor for rotatably driving said first spindle,an electrically controlled clutch operable upon energization forcoupling said motor to said first spindle, and an electricallycontrolled brake operable upon energization for retarding the rotationof said first spindle, said control circuit including means responsiveto the speed of the web and operated by said first means to preventenergization of said brake, said first means operable in response to themovement of said turret to the acceleration station for energizing saidelectrically controlled clutch to couple said motor to said firstspindle and for operating said means in response to the speed of the webto prevent said electrically controlled brake from being energized, andsaid further means responsive to the acceleration of said spindle to thepredetermined speed being operable upon said spindle reaching thepredetermined speed for energizing said electrically controlled brake toprevent said spindle from being further accelerated and to maintain saidspindle at the predetermined speed.

13. Apparatus for winding a web into rolls comprising a frame, a turretmechanism rotatably supported by said frame, a spindle rotatablysupported by said turret and for supporting a core upon which the web iswound, a latching means for holding the core in said turret mechanism,turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret mechanism to movesaid spindle past circumferentially spaced unlatching and loadingstations, and a control circuit connected in controlling relation withsaid turret drive means, said control circuit including first meansoperable in response to the movement of said spindle to the unlatchingstation for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as toenable the core upon which the web is wound to be unlatched, and saidcontrol circuit also including means operable in response to themovement of said spindle to the loading station for stopping theoperation of said turret drive means to enable another core to be loadedthereon.

14. Apparatus for winding a web according to claim 13 wherein saidcontrol circuit further comprises movably operable turret starting meansfor starting the operation of said turret drive means so as to rotatablydrive said spindle from the unlatching and loading stations, said firstmeans being operable in response to the movement of .said spindle to theunlatching station for disabling said turret starting means fromoperating said turret drive means, and said second means being operablein response to the movement of said spindle to the loading station fordisabling said turret starting means from operating said turret drivemeans.

15. Apparatus for winding a web according to claim 14 wherein saidcontrol circuit further comprises first enabling means operable inresponse to the unlatching of the first core at the unlatching stationfor enabling said turret starting means to operate said turret drivemeans, and second enabling means operable in response to the loading ofanother core into the turret mechanism at the loading station forenabling the turret starting means to operate said turret drive means.

16. Apparatus for winding a web into rolls according to claim 13 whereinsaid turret drive means is operable to rotate said turret mechanism tomove said spindle from said loading station to an acceleration station,said control circuit including means operable in response to themovement of said spindle to the acceleration station for stopping theoperation of said turret drive means at the transfer station so as tostop said spindle at the acceleration station and start rotation of thespindle, and means for actuating said turret drive when said spindleachieves a predetermined speed to move said spindle from saidacceleration station.

